a blog about life on Skopelos

Kyria Margarita

This is Kyria Margarita Gripioti or auntie as I can call her. When I (Daphne) came to Skopelos for the first time I stayed in her best room with a wonderful view along Christos church to the sea. We could not understand each other at the time and she made it difficult for me to accept the room because she wanted more money than I could pay but in the end we closed the deal mainly because of the view the room had. On my bedroom wall were beautiful plates and a big mirror. I know for sure that this room was used for name days and parties. When I came down for a coffee later I found a young man in the kitchen having his supper. He was one of her sons and he is the best friend of my husband (much later)

Margarita is a widow and she has difficulty walking nowadays but and a great part of her day is spend in the churches that surround the Christos church. There are about 8 and she has the key for at least 3. Candles have to be lit, the floors have to be clean and in general the churches need to be ready for any event.

I used to organize town walks and she was one of the few ladies I could count on to open a church for me and show it to my visitors. I never forget the evening when I arrived with a mixed group of Greeks and Spaniards and she told me it was too late to show the church. Many churches, mainly the smaller ones, don’t have electricity. I looked at her and begged her to open one. She took a look at the group and me and went to the nearest church. We waited outside and she came back with a handful of small lighted candles, everybody took one and in we went! One of the Greeks was the son of a priest and he started singing quietly when we were all inside. Margarita followed his song and after it was finished we all thanked her for her kindness. An unforgettable memory because of Kyria Margarita

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11 Responses

Wonderful story! We visited Skopelos 13 years ago and my husband’s cousin opened the a Church (the Mama Mia) Church for us. She had a key–very special, indeed. We are returning to Skopelos for Pascha/Easter at the end of the month. Very excited.

Daphne, I love these stories you tell of people and events here, especially those relating to the churches: the burial rites, the decorating of the bier with flowers at Pascha and so many others. Thank you.

An encounter with kyria Margarita leaves you with a smile for the rest of the day! The churches she (and the other ladies) looks after are impeccable and she knows everything about the rituals. She cheers up our neighbourhood and I think back at the times when all of the houses were inhabited up there and her laugh was answered by so many others.

Hello. This is Vasilis from Skiathos. I have written several comments in this “comment” section and when I finish and begin to fill in the information following my comments……..THE WHOLE THING SIMPLY DISAPPEARS FROM THE SCREEN NEVER TO BE FOUND AGAIN. Has anyone else experienced this? This (not so interesting comment) will probably be printed.
Vasilis.

Kalimera Vasilis. We have had (a few) other people experience similar problems in the past, which could be a problem with the WordPress system that hosts SkopelosNews, or a problem between your computer and WordPress. If it happens again, contact us via the ‘contact’ link at the top right-hand of this page and we’ll investigate further. Our apologies for the frustration.

(One more time)…………..Kalimera, this is Vasilis from Skiathos and I would like to thank you for the lovely article on Kuria Margarita. I, too, conduct tour walks on Skiathos three times a week during the summer months. I lead two different walks. The first one is called Old Town Skiathos Walk and the second, I call The Nature Walk. For the Nature Walk I take a group of tourists out into the country and talk about the birds and animals that exist on Skiathos. I also point out the many herbs that grow in our hills such as oregano, sage, thyme, garlic and fennel.

I was born on Skiathos, but, at a very early age (2 yrs.) was taken to California where I grew up and spend most of my life. When I retired I decided to return to my roots and for ten years worked the Skiathos Tourist Information Booth down at the harbor. I used to send hordes of tourists to Skopelos when during July and August rooms were not available on Skiathos. Unlike, some of the locals here, I do not feel any competition between Skiathos and Skopelos. The atmosphere and general personality of these two isles is completely different and each has something unique to offer. I have many friends on Glossa and always look forward to my visits there. As far as the world of tourism goes, so much more can be accomplished by working together.
Yia hara! Vasilis.